Luke Nolen’s crucial mistake could have marred Black Caviar’s perfect record
Jockey, Luke Nolen, should thank his lucky stars that he guided the undefeated Australian mare, Black Caviar, to victory in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot on 23rd June, 2012, after getting confused and slowing down
in the crucial stage of the race.
The jockey was close to victory, but he eased up in the final stage, giving Moonlight Cloud and Restiadargent time and space to catch up with Black Caviar.
When the other two runners closed in, Nolen gave Black Caviar a final tug and guided her to a narrow victory, which was a head before Freddie Head’s charge, Moonlight Cloud.
The rider relaxed in the final few strides, thinking they have easily won the race, but in the process he almost risked Black Caviar’s unbeaten record.
It is speculated that the jockey miscalculated the distance from the finish line and eased up - a rookie like mistake from Nolen.
Another reason for the jockey’s actions is that after the long journey, he didn’t want to put too much pressure on the horse. Either way, he led Bel Esprit’s daughter to victory, but took the blame for the close finish.
The 32-year-old jockey stated that he had underestimated the track at Ascot and stated:
"She wasn't the same horse she usually is today and her determination got her there.
"I underestimated the testing track of Ascot. She'd had enough and that big engine throttled right down. I let her idle. I thought she'd coast and I made a mistake every apprentice is taught to avoid. It's unfortunate, because we're going to talk more
about my brain failure than the horse's fantastic effort.”
This incredible victory has given Black Caviar her 22nd consecutive victory of her career. It was her first victory outside of Australia, and many breathed a sigh of relief when she crossed the line first, barely.
Despite Luke Nolen’s fatal mistake, it does not mitigate his talent, since he is the one responsible for guiding the brown mare to victory in 19 of her 22 starts.
If he had lost, things would not have gone well for the jockey as he commented:
“Imagine if I'd got beat. I'd have probably been stabbed!"
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